Then you will probably encounter the issue of opening the application distribution package, which is located in the APK file. Or perhaps you need to open such a distribution in order to view the files (for example, for later modification). We will tell you how to do both.
How to open APK file on Android
How to open APK files
APK format (short for Android Package) is the main one for distributing application installers, so by default, when you run such files, the installation of the program begins. Opening such a file for viewing is somewhat more difficult, but still feasible. Below we will describe the methods that will allow you to both open the APK and install them.
Method 1MiXplorer
MiXplorer has a built-in tool to open and view the contents of an APK file.
1. Launch the application. Navigate to the folder containing the target file.
2. Single click on the APK will bring up the following context menu.
We need an item Explore”, which should be pressed. The second point, by the way, will start the process of installing the application from the distribution, but more on that below.
3. The contents of the APK will be open for viewing and further manipulation.
Cunning this method lies in the very nature of the APK: despite the format, it is a modified version of the GZ / TAR.GZ archive, which, in turn, is a modified version of the compressed ZIP folders.
In case you want to install the application from the installer instead of browsing, do the following.
1. Go to " Settings” and find the item “ Security" (otherwise it may be called " Security Settings»).
Go to this point.
2. Find the option " unknown sources ” and check the box next to it (or activate the switch).
3. Go to MiXplorer and navigate to the directory where the installer package is located in APK format. Tapping on it will open the familiar context menu, in which you already need to select the item " Package Installer».
4. The installation process of the selected application will start.
There are similar tools in many other file managers (for example, Root Explorer). The algorithm of actions for another application-explorer is almost identical.
Method 2: Total Commander
The second option to view an APK file as an archive is one of the most sophisticated explorer apps for Android.
1. Launch Total Commander and navigate to the folder with the file you wish to open.
2. As in the case of MiXplorer, a single click on a file will launch a context menu with opening options. To view the contents of the APK, select " Open as ZIP».
3. The files packaged in the distribution kit will become available for viewing and manipulation with them.
Follow the steps below to install the APK file using Total Commander.
1. Activate " unknown sources", as described in Method 1.
2. Repeat steps 1-2, but instead of " Open as ZIP» select option « Install».
Method 3: My APK
You can speed up the process of installing applications from an APK distribution by using an application such as My APK. This is an advanced manager for working with both installed programs and their installers.
1. Enable the installation of applications from unknown sources using the method described in Method 1.
2. Launch May APK. Click on the button in the top center apks».
3. After a short scan, the application will display all the APK files present on the device.
4. Find the right one among them using the search button at the top right or using filters by update date, name and size.
5. Once you find the APK you want to open, tap on it. The advanced properties window will appear. Familiarize yourself with it if you need to, then click on the button with three dots at the bottom right.
6. A context menu will open. We are interested in the item " Installation". Click on it.
7. The familiar application installation process will start.
My APK comes in handy when you don't know the exact location of the APK file or you really have a lot of them.
Method 4: System Tools
To install the downloaded APK system means You can do without a file manager. It is done like this.
1. Make sure you have enabled the option to install applications from unknown sources (described in Method 1).
2. Use a browser to download the APK file from a third party site. When the download is complete, click on the notification in the status bar.
Try not to delete this notice.
3. Clicking on download will launch the standard Android app installation process.
As you can see, anyone can handle it. The same way you can install any other APK file, you just need to find it on the drive and run it.
We have reviewed existing options, with which you can both view and install APK files on Android.
Technology platform android applications turned out to be universal and friendly for developers. You can develop an android app and publish it to the store Google Play from minimal restrictions. This concept led to the rapid development of popular Android applications, some of which are not available on iOS and other platforms. To run an Android application, you usually need to use a smartphone or tablet with this OS - this is obvious. What if you want to try Android without buying a device?
Fortunately, you have such an opportunity, Android can be run even on the old desktop computer. To accomplish this task, there are several ways, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Perhaps the easiest way to run Andoid apps on a Windows computer is to use the ARC Welder app to Google browser Chrome. The application was developed Google and it can be used not only on Windows computers - this method Works on Chromebooks and Macs too. The launch process is practically independent of the platform used. Just go to the Chrome Web Store and install the ARC Welder app from the catalog.
The ARC Welder app is in beta and is intended primarily for developers. However, the process of downloading the application is quite simple. You need to upload the APK file to ARC Welder. The APK file can be obtained using Reserve copy applications on the physical Android device or by downloading from various third party websites on the internet. We do not recommend downloading paid apps and games from questionable websites. There are resources that archive free apps, for example APK Mirror .
When the required APK file is downloaded and ready to be uploaded, you can open ARC Welder from the list of extensions in Google Chrome and specify this file. Then you need to choose how to display apps - landscape/portrait mode, smartphone/tablet and clipboard access method. Not every Android app will launch this way, and some apps may lose some of their functionality. ARC Welder, unfortunately, on this moment does not have built-in support Google services Play (if you are not an app developer and do not have access to source code), that's why google apps and some third party applications refuse to work.
Applications or games that run in ARC are mostly stable. You can get full functionality from Evernote, Instagram, and even Flappy Bird. You can only have one application installed in ARC Welder at a time, to launch another application you need to return to the installation dialog.
The application deployment process and the restriction to run only one application at a time create barriers to everyday use tool. Nevertheless, the extension is suitable for the needs of developers and testers, or just to get acquainted with the capabilities of the mobile platform.
The next easiest way to run Android apps on a PC is to use the Android emulator developed by Google as part of the Software Development Kit (SDK). The emulator can be used to create virtual devices with any version of Android on board with various resolutions screen and hardware configurations. The first disadvantage of this method can be called a rather complicated installation and configuration process.
None of the products are perfect - you need tool-supported devices, like the Dell XPS 12 for the Intel version, or the Lenovo ThinkPad x61 for Android-x86. You can install environment data over Windows, but it's not the most best idea. The smartest way is to create a separate partition hard drive and install Android on it.
If your PC configuration is not supported by these products, you can try installing them in environments VirtualBox virtualization or VMware, which are faster than android emulator. These products may still not be suitable for testing games, but most applications will install and work correctly. You will need to install applications yourself, because. There is no Google Play integration in these products. As a help, you can use the instructions on our website - Installing Android in VMware Workstation.
If you are looking for a tool to launch multiple applications at once and android games, and easy to install and configure, then your choice is BlueStacks. represents one of the most simple ways to launch applications. However, the product applies a heavily modified android version to launch applications. BlueStacks has a built-in Google Play store and you have access to all purchased paid apps. The program is added to the list Google devices Play titled Galaxy Note II.
A separate BlueStacks window contains a list of applications, divided into categories: games, social media etc. When searching for an application or when clicking on an icon specific application the unexpected happens - displayed Google client Play in tablet mode. The user can navigate through the interface as conventional device Android, which makes BlueStacks more than just an “app player”. In fact, the user can install third-party launchers such as Nova or Apex from the app store and choose them as default launchers. Main screen in BlueStacks with app categories is an option home screen. Thus, by replacing it, you can feel like an owner real device Android.
Full access to the Google Play Store eliminates app deployment issues, and BlueStacks itself is stable and fast. You can play most games, but there may be problems using the mouse. If your computer has touch screen, You can use apps that support multi-touch. BlueStacks can turn your Windows 8 tablet into an Android tablet. The technology behind BlueStacks is called "LayerCake" because Android apps run on a separate layer on top of Windows.
The only disadvantage of BlueStacks is the use of a modified android builds. All changes made by the product developer to run Android apps on PC may cause app crashes and failures. This modified environment is of little value to developers - there is no guarantee that apps that display and run correctly on BlueStacks will also behave on a physical device. The service uses a freemium monetization model - you can either pay $2 for a subscription or install multiple sponsored apps.
Which way is better?
If you want to test the application before installing it on physical devices, android emulator offers The best way for preliminary check applications on the computer. The product is quite slow, but standardized, so the developer can see how the application will behave on a real smartphone or tablet. By porting Android to PC, you can achieve decent performance, but problems and failures are possible and compatible hardware is required.
If you need to get several Android apps on your computer at once, best solution will BlueStacks App Player. The product provides full access to Google Play, works fast and supports Windows devices with multitouch. Don't forget about ARC Welder as a way to run one application at a time. The extension is free and easy to install.
The Android system, unlike iOS, is more flexible and convenient, thanks to which you can carry out many operations with it, including manual installation applications using the appropriate files.
Before installing programs from original archives, namely apk files, you will probably ask the question: "Why install an application through a file if you can download it directly from the Google Play Store?"
The answer to this question may surprise many, but it is quite logical and reasonable.
First of all, the advantage of installing applications from apk files is that you can choose any version of the application. Perhaps you prefer old design or the functionality is more convenient for you later version, and perhaps your gadget simply cannot fulfill all the requests of the updated application, and it is at such moments that they will come to the rescue different versions of the same application in the apk file.
The second, no less important, plus is the ability to install even paid apps or programs with various modifications that are not found in the vastness of the usual application store.
Where should I start installing apk files?
In order to start working with apk files, you need to allow the gadget to install applications from unknown sources.
To do this, you need to go to Settings / Settings -> Applications / Application Settings. Next, in the list of items, find "Unknown sources" and put a tick in front of it. Now the installation will run without any problems.
1. Installation using the file manager.
There are several ways to install apk files, and one of the easiest is installation using file managers. We recommend using ES File Explorer and its analogues. These applications quickly recognize files and allow you to install applications on your gadget.
2. Install applications using the application manager.
If you want to make working with apk files even easier, you can use programs from the application managers category. These assistants were created specifically for working with applications and their direct installation and removal.
3. Install applications using computer and USB.
If you don't like fiddling with files, then you can install the apk file directly from your computer to your phone. To do this, it is enough to use InstallAPK app, which will work directly with your gadget's data.
4. Other ways to install Android apps.
If none of the above methods suits you, then you can use the old, but proven installation path, namely go to standard browser your gadget and register given way in address bar: content://com.android.htmlfileprovider/sdcard/Filename.apk
This method will be useful to those people who do not like to work with additional programs and do not want to clog the gadget with them.
Conclusion.
Hello! Today we will analyze how to install an apk file on Android. There is nothing complicated here - not much more difficult than installing applications from the Play Market. In terms of time - quite a bit longer, and not so convenient, but it is possible to install whatever your heart desires. It can be either a game or any other application, be it a program or a system utility.
So let's get started.
First things first - go to "Settings" -\u003e we find the item "Security" -\u003e and check the box "Unknown sources":
Everything. Now you can install any apk manually. But, first, of course, we need this very installation apk file. You can download it both from a computer, and then transfer it to your phone / tablet. Or download directly to your phone via mobile browser Opera/Chrome etc. - in this case, the main thing to remember, but it is better to initially set up your path where the files will be downloaded.
Sites in the network, with similar installation apk files are huge. You can find whatever you want. I think this shouldn't be a problem. If it’s really tight, then I give a hint - drive it into search string Google / Yandex, a request, for example, “download an application for android”. And you will be given a bunch of links - choose a site to your heart's content.
Installing the apk file on Android
Let's say the file is downloaded and uploaded to the phone. We go through any file manager on his mobile device- I personally use Total Commander (love for him migrated from computer to phone), but there are many others, for example, the very popular ES File Explorer. Find and "click" on the desired apk:
in the next window, confirm that we want to install the application by clicking "Install":
and once again the "Install" button:
and after a few seconds you will see a happy picture about the successful installation of the application:
That's the whole not tricky procedure for apk installation file.
And on this beautiful note, we will complete our little manual.
Good luck to everyone and see you soon!
By downloading smartphone applications through a computer, the user may find that their setup file It has APK extension. Few people know, but given format it is possible to run not only on Android, but also on Windows, and how to do this will be described later in the text.
What is APK
Before proceeding with the consideration of ways to run APK files on a desktop device, it is worth telling what this format is in general.
So, its full name sounds like Android Package. Accordingly, already from this we can conclude that it is intended to work within the mobile operating system. Here you can draw an analogy with the EXE format, which is used in Windows and is an installer for an application. So APK is an archive with all program files, as well as instructions for extracting them. In simple words, is an app installer in android.
How to open an APK file on a computer
At the beginning of the article, it was said that APK files can be run not only on smartphones running Android, but also on Windows. Of course, this will require additional tools. They can be divided into two categories:
- to view the list of installed files;
- to install the application.
In the first case any will do well-known archiver, it is with its help that you can open the APK and see what files are in it. But to install Android programs in the Windows operating system, you need to use more serious applications called emulators.
Using archivers
We'll start with how to open an APK file with an archiver. The question may immediately arise as to why this is needed at all. But, as mentioned earlier, in this way you can view all the files of the installed application, and most importantly, make some changes to them, for example, translate the text into Russian.
To perform all operations will be used WinRAR archiver, which each user can install for himself, because the application is distributed free of charge.
- Click on the APK file right click mice (RMB).
- Select the "Properties" option from the menu.
- In the window that opens, go to the "General" tab.
- Opposite the "Application" line, click the "Change" button.
- A dialog box will appear asking you to select a program to open the file. If there is no WinRAR in the list, then specify the direct path to it by clicking on the link "Find another application on this computer".
- A file manager window will open. In it, you need to go to the directory with the executable WinRAR file. By default, it is located in the following path: "C:\Program Files\WinRAR\".
- Going to the folder with the archiver, select executable file and click the "Open" button.
- In the Properties window, click Apply and then OK.
After following this instruction, all files that have the APK extension will be launched through the archiver, just click on them double click left mouse button (LMB).
Launching the emulator
If the purpose of downloading the APK file to the computer was to install it further, and not open it, then you will need to use the operating system emulator Windows systems. On the market software there are quite a few of them, so they will not be considered in the article, but only the most popular ones.
BlueStacks
BlueStacks is the most popular Android emulator, so it makes sense to start with it. So, in order to install an Android application within the working Windows desktop, you need to do the following:
- Launch BlueStacks.
- On the left panel with a list of tools, click on the "APK" button.
- A file manager window will open, in which you need to go to the folder with the previously downloaded APK file.
- Highlight the Android app and click the "Open" button.
- The installation process of the application in BlueStacks will start, wait for it to complete.
- The emulator menu will display the icon just installed program, click on it to launch.
Droid4X
Droid4X is one of her popular mobile operating system emulators, so it can run Android apps on Windows computers. It's much easier to do this:
- Install the Droid4X program on your computer.
- Open File Explorer File Explorer.
- Navigate to the folder with the downloaded APK file.
- Right click on it.
- IN context menu select "Play with Droid4X".
- The installation process will start mobile application. Wait for it to complete.
- Click LMB on the icon of the installed program in the emulator menu.
Genymotion
Using the Genymotion emulator, it is much more difficult to install an APK file on a computer, but it is still a good alternative. previous methods. However, please note that you must first create an account on the Genymotion website and install virtual machine virtual box.
- Start GenyMotion.
- Press top panel the "Add" button.
- In the window that appears, click "Next".
- In the subsequent after it, also click "Next".
- Wait for the download to complete and in the VirtualBox window that opens, click the "Run" button.
- Return to the Genymotion window and click the "Start" button.
- The emulated Android window will appear. To install the APK, you must first install Genymotion ARM Translation. To do this, open the folder with this file and drag it with the mouse into the emulator window.
- Restart the emulator and virtual machine.
- Open the APK file folder and drag it to the emulator window.
Immediately after that, the application will be launched, and you will be able to interact with it through the emulator window.
